There has been speculation that Samuel could be on the chopping block for a few weeks now, and he even mentioned that he wasn’t sure if he’d be back with the Falcons this season.

Samuel, 33, had a base salary of $3.5 million to go along with a $1.75 million roster bonus. His cap figure for next season is $5.25 million, according to Albert Breer.

Breer adds that the Falcons should free up $4.5 million by releasing Samuel and another $2 million from Nicholas.

Brian McIntyre confirms that the Falcons will free up $6.5 million in cap space as well as $7.5 million in cash this season.

Samuewas benched in favor of rookie CB Robert Alford this season, and the Falcons appear to be pretty happy with fellow rookie Desmond Trufant playing the other corner position. Pro Football Focus has Samuel rated as the No. 56 cornerback in the league this season.

Nicholas, 30, appeared in 14 games this season and totaled 36 tackles, one sack and a forced fumble. According to Pro Football Focus, Nicholas played just 132 snap in 2013, but graded out as a solid run-defender.